Simcoe County District School Board

You can request an IEP in writing to your child's principal or classroom teacher at any time. Even without a formal IPRC identification, a teacher can create an IEP on a voluntary basis. Once your child is formally identified through an IPRC, the school must have an IEP in place within 30 school days. Document your request in writing and keep a copy.

The IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) is a formal panel that determines whether your child is "exceptional" under Ontario law and recommends a placement. On your written request, the principal must refer your child to an IPRC (O. Reg. 181/98, s. 14(1)(b)). Within 15 days, the principal must acknowledge the request in writing, give you the board's parents' guide, and tell you approximately when the IPRC will meet (s. 14(6)). The board must give you at least 10 days’ notice of the meeting. You have the right to attend, present information, and appeal the decision within 15 days.

No. Across Ontario boards, including SCDSB, EAs are allocated based on overall classroom and school need, not assigned individually to students. A single EA often supports multiple students. If your child’s IEP specifies EA support, the school must provide it, but the exact form is at the principal’s discretion. If you believe support is inadequate, put your concern in writing and escalate to the Superintendent of Education.

Ontario boards must be able to draw on a continuum ranging from regular class with indirect consultation, through resource or withdrawal assistance, to a special education class (partial or full-time). The exact program names, class structures, and availability at SCDSB specifically are set out in the board’s own Special Education Plan, which is not something we can independently verify here — ask your school or check the SCDSB website for current offerings.

You have 15 days from receiving the IPRC’s written statement of decision to request a Special Education Appeal Board hearing. The Appeal Board is an independent panel. If you disagree with its recommendation, you can apply to the Ontario Special Education Tribunal. Consider contacting ARCH Disability Law Centre for free legal guidance before proceeding.

Some large Ontario boards publicize a named autism or special-education consultative team; we could not independently confirm a specific named team or autism consultant for SCDSB. Ask your school’s principal or Resource Teacher whether a special education consultant can be included at your child’s next IEP review, and request the answer in writing.

Ontario law requires the IEP to include a transition plan for students aged 14 and older, covering post-secondary goals, community living, and employment. For the elementary-to-secondary move, request a transition meeting in January or February of Grade 8 and confirm in writing that the receiving secondary school will get the full IEP, IPRC statement, and any behaviour support plans before the end of the school year.

Yes. SEAC meetings are open to the public at every Ontario board, including SCDSB. SEAC advises the board’s trustees on special education policy, programs, and budget. Autism Ontario holds SEAC seats at many boards and can raise parent concerns at the board level.